Free haircuts for children in need offered by students in Kuopio

Nearly 40 children and young people from low-income families in Kuopio received free haircuts last week, thanks to a collaboration between Savonia Vocational College and the charity organisation Hope, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

The event, held at the vocational college, gave first-year barber and hairdressing students hands-on experience with real clients while providing a much-needed service to families struggling financially.

For 13-year-old Liisa-Lumia Tiitinen, the visit marked her first time at a salon. Previously, her mother had cut and dyed her hair at home. “I just want the ends trimmed and some advice on dyeing my hair,” she said, pointing to the fading violet streaks in her hair.

Her mother, Iita Tiitinen—a parent of five—said the family could not afford professional haircuts. “It would cost a fortune to take all the kids to a salon, let alone myself,” she admitted. Only two of her children attended the event, as she usually cuts their hair at home.

Student Saana Jussila, who participated in the initiative, called it a “fantastic opportunity” to do good while gaining practical skills. “I know what it’s like not to be able to afford a hairdresser. Being able to offer this for free is amazing,” she said.

Jorma Aartos, a teacher supervising the students, emphasised the importance of real-world practice. “They’ve been working on mannequin heads all autumn and winter. Now, they’re finally getting experience with actual clients,” he explained.

From a student’s idea to a nationwide model

The project originated from Jenni Mäkinen, a social work student at Diaconia University of Applied Sciences (Diak) in Eastern Finland. Years earlier, she had organised a similar free haircut event for her salon’s opening, partnering with Hope. The idea resurfaced during a course on civic movements, leading her to propose a larger-scale effort.

“I wanted to create something that didn’t require financial contribution—just time and cooperation,” Mäkinen said. She hopes the initiative, dubbed the “Summer Hair Campaign,” will expand to other salons and chains, recruiting more volunteers.

As a mother and student herself, Mäkinen understands the financial strain on families. “Many children have never been to a salon. For their sense of identity, it’s important to feel good about how they look,” she noted.

Organisers aim to replicate the model across Finland, offering equal access to basic grooming services for children in need.